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English Grammar - Conjunctions for Airman English Test

Conjunctions in English Grammar

Definition: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. It helps to join ideas and makes the sentence flow better. There are different types of conjunctions, and each type has its own function in the sentence.

Types of Conjunctions:

  1. Coordinating Conjunctions
  2. Subordinating Conjunctions
  3. Correlative Conjunctions

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance or similar structure. There are seven main coordinating conjunctions, often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS:

  • F for For
  • A for And
  • N for Nor
  • B for But
  • O for Or
  • Y for Yet
  • S for So

Examples:

  1. I like tea, and she likes coffee.

    • The conjunction "and" connects two related ideas: "I like tea" and "she likes coffee."
  2. I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.

    • The conjunction "but" connects two opposite ideas: "I wanted to go for a walk" and "it started raining."
  3. You can have either coffee or tea.

    • The conjunction "or" shows a choice between two options: "coffee" or "tea."
  4. He studied hard, so he passed the exam.

    • The conjunction "so" shows cause and effect: "He studied hard" and "he passed the exam."
  5. She neither sang nor danced at the party.

    • The conjunction "nor" connects two negative actions: "She neither sang" and "she did not dance."

2. Subordinating Conjunctions

Definition: Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause (a complete sentence) with a dependent clause (a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone). These conjunctions show the relationship between the two clauses.

Examples:

  1. I stayed home because it was raining.

    • The conjunction "because" connects the reason ("it was raining") with the main action ("I stayed home").
  2. Although she was tired, she continued studying.

    • The conjunction "although" connects a contrast: "she was tired" and "she continued studying."
  3. If you study hard, you will pass the test.

    • The conjunction "if" shows a condition: "If you study hard," then "you will pass the test."
  4. When I was young, I used to play outside every day.

    • The conjunction "when" connects the time ("When I was young") with the main action ("I used to play outside every day").
  5. She passed the exam even though she didn't study much.

    • The conjunction "even though" shows contrast: "She passed the exam" despite the fact that "she didn't study much."

3. Correlative Conjunctions

Definition: Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that work together to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are of equal importance. The most common correlative conjunctions are: either...or, neither...nor, both...and, not only...but also, and whether...or.

Examples:

  1. You can either go to the library or stay at home.

    • The correlative conjunction "either...or" gives two choices: "go to the library" or "stay at home."
  2. Neither the teacher nor the students were happy with the results.

    • The correlative conjunction "neither...nor" shows two negative ideas: "Neither the teacher" and "the students were happy."
  3. Both my brother and my sister love reading books.

    • The correlative conjunction "both...and" connects two positive ideas: "my brother" and "my sister love reading books."
  4. Not only did she finish her homework, but she also helped me with mine.

    • The correlative conjunction "not only...but also" emphasizes two actions: "She finished her homework" and "she helped me."
  5. Whether you agree or not, the decision has been made.

    • The correlative conjunction "whether...or" shows a situation where both options (agree or not) are possible.

Importance of Conjunctions:

  • Conjunctions help in joining different parts of a sentence, making it easier to understand the relationship between ideas.
  • They make sentences less choppy and more fluent by linking ideas smoothly.
  • Conjunctions can show contrast, cause and effect, condition, and time.

Quick Recap:

  • Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) link ideas of equal importance.
  • Subordinating conjunctions link an independent clause with a dependent clause.
  • Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to link related ideas.

Conjunctions are essential for clear communication, helping to express thoughts in a well-structured way.

50 MCQs for PAF Airman Test:

  1. She likes to read, ________ she doesn’t have much time.
    a) and
    b) but
    c) or
    d) so

  2. He is good at basketball, ________ he is not very tall.
    a) and
    b) because
    c) but
    d) for

  3. I will go to the store ________ I finish my homework.
    a) after
    b) before
    c) although
    d) unless

  4. You can either have tea ________ coffee.
    a) and
    b) or
    c) but
    d) yet

  5. I didn’t like the movie, ________ I stayed till the end.
    a) so
    b) for
    c) yet
    d) and

  6. I will visit you tomorrow ________ I feel better.
    a) unless
    b) if
    c) because
    d) although

  7. ______ he is not very good at math, he enjoys solving problems.
    a) Though
    b) Because
    c) If
    d) But

  8. She wanted to go swimming, ________ it was too cold outside.
    a) although
    b) because
    c) and
    d) but

  9. I don’t like this color, ________ I will choose another one.
    a) so
    b) and
    c) or
    d) but

  10. We’ll go hiking ________ it stops raining.
    a) unless
    b) if
    c) but
    d) or

  11. ______ I knew her name, I couldn’t remember where I met her.
    a) If
    b) Because
    c) Although
    d) But

  12. He studied hard ________ he passed the exam.
    a) so
    b) and
    c) because
    d) for

  13. I like both apples ________ bananas.
    a) and
    b) but
    c) or
    d) so

  14. ______ it was raining, they went for a walk.
    a) Although
    b) But
    c) Because
    d) Unless

  15. I will go ________ my brother goes.
    a) if
    b) unless
    c) until
    d) and

  16. I have ________ finished my homework.
    a) already
    b) before
    c) and
    d) but

  17. He is very talented, ________ he is also humble.
    a) and
    b) but
    c) so
    d) yet

  18. She went to bed early ________ she had an important exam the next day.
    a) although
    b) because
    c) if
    d) or

  19. I can’t go to the party ________ I have to finish my project.
    a) because
    b) but
    c) although
    d) so

  20. I don’t like tennis, ________ my brother loves it.
    a) yet
    b) and
    c) because
    d) so

  21. We will not go out ________ it’s sunny.
    a) if
    b) unless
    c) until
    d) but

  22. She likes chocolate, ________ she doesn’t like ice cream.
    a) and
    b) but
    c) so
    d) for

  23. I will call you ________ I arrive.
    a) if
    b) when
    c) but
    d) although

  24. He neither likes dogs ________ cats.
    a) or
    b) nor
    c) and
    d) yet

  25. She is going to the gym ________ she wants to stay fit.
    a) although
    b) because
    c) but
    d) so

  26. ______ you study, you will pass the test.
    a) Unless
    b) If
    c) Though
    d) But

  27. He is an excellent player ________ he doesn’t like to play much.
    a) so
    b) and
    c) but
    d) or

  28. ______ you clean your room, you can go outside to play.
    a) If
    b) But
    c) Although
    d) Or

  29. I will go to the park, ________ it is a beautiful day.
    a) because
    b) so
    c) if
    d) unless

  30. We didn’t see the movie, ________ we had already read the book.
    a) but
    b) because
    c) and
    d) yet

  31. I will stay home ________ I am not feeling well.
    a) unless
    b) if
    c) though
    d) and

  32. We both like to travel, ________ we don’t have enough money.
    a) and
    b) but
    c) or
    d) so

  33. I need to study, ________ I have a test tomorrow.
    a) for
    b) but
    c) and
    d) so

  34. He was late ________ he missed the bus.
    a) and
    b) because
    c) or
    d) but

  35. ______ you complete your work, you will get a reward.
    a) Unless
    b) If
    c) Although
    d) Yet

  36. She didn’t like the dress, ________ she bought it.
    a) but
    b) because
    c) and
    d) yet

  37. I want to play the guitar, ________ I don’t have one.
    a) but
    b) because
    c) so
    d) or

  38. He will not attend the meeting ________ he finishes his report.
    a) unless
    b) if
    c) and
    d) yet

  39. We enjoyed the movie, ________ we felt the ending was too predictable.
    a) yet
    b) and
    c) so
    d) but

  40. She doesn’t like pasta, ________ she likes pizza.
    a) but
    b) or
    c) and
    d) for

  41. I’ll go to the beach ________ it doesn’t rain.
    a) unless
    b) if
    c) because
    d) or

  42. He hasn’t finished his homework, ________ he hasn’t gone to bed yet.
    a) and
    b) or
    c) but
    d) so

  43. ______ you like it or not, you have to do your chores.
    a) Whether
    b) If
    c) Because
    d) Though

  44. He was tired, ________ he kept working.
    a) and
    b) yet
    c) because
    d) so

  45. I’m going to the party ________ I finish my homework.
    a) unless
    b) when
    c) before
    d) after

  46. She neither accepted the invitation ________ she rejected it.
    a) or
    b) nor
    c) and
    d) yet

  47. I would go to the concert, ________ I have no tickets.
    a) but
    b) because
    c) so
    d) and

  48. He sings well, ________ he plays the guitar excellently.
    a) and
    b) but
    c) for
    d) or

  49. The movie was boring, ________ I left early.
    a) so
    b) because
    c) although
    d) yet

  50. We will not be late ________ we hurry up.
    a) unless
    b) if
    c) unless
    d) until



Answers:

  1. b) but
  2. c) but
  3. a) after
  4. b) or
  5. c) yet
  6. b) if
  7. a) Though
  8. a) although
  9. d) but
  10. b) if
  11. c) Although
  12. a) so
  13. a) and
  14. a) Although
  15. a) if
  16. a) already
  17. a) and
  18. b) because
  19. a) because
  20. a) yet
  21. b) unless
  22. b) but
  23. b) when
  24. b) nor
  25. b) because
  26. b) If
  27. c) but
  28. a) If
  29. a) because
  30. b) because
  31. a) unless
  32. b) but
  33. d) so
  34. b) because
  35. b) If
  36. d) yet
  37. a) but
  38. a) unless
  39. d) but
  40. a) but
  41. a) unless
  42. a) and
  43. a) Whether
  44. b) yet
  45. d) after
  46. b) nor
  47. a) but
  48. a) and
  49. a) so
  50. b) if